The beginning of this act immediately introduces us to a mood of distress and precaution as the professor awakens from a disturbing nightmare and finds himself disoriented. At once we are able to begin recognizing each characters trait more profoundly and insightfully to an extent to which our understanding of their reflections and actions are clearer. On the previous act we were able to perceive the pessimistic attitude of each character and their overall feelings, but the act didn’t convey the reasons behind such personalities. In this act we get the opportunity to grasp closely the explanations for their inexplicable behaviors. For instance, Helena, the professor’s wife, appeared to live contently looking after her husband and his daughter, but her small reaction to his foolish conduct revealed her unhappiness. “This is unbearable! Tell me, what is it that you want me to do?” While replying this to her husband while whimpering we recognize her desperation and misery.
After analyzing each of the characters desires and reactions I had the chance to question why they reacted in such a manner and why they felt so discontent. I concluded that it was due to their lack of hope. Like most of them portray, their elder age prevented them from being able to do certain things such as falling in love, at least they believed it did. Their pessimistic attitudes towards life and the possibilities it presented stopped them from revealing certain feelings as well as overcoming difficulties they didn’t agree with. I believe, instead of becoming stuck on your past you must act in order to change your future which was a feature most characters lacked. Aside from being inactive towards change they as well focused too much on their past and assumed it was unchangeable. Remarks such as “… I am old, I am tired, I am trivial; my sensibilities are dead. I could never attach myself to anyone again…” display the unhappiness of the characters as well as their effortless attitude to change that. The fact that the doctor was old didn’t mean he was incapable of loving someone, he just didn’t realize he was. Both Helen and Sonia had interest in him and one of them attempted to portray it, sadly the doctor couldn’t realize it.
Another reason for which I believe most characters are unhappy, I mentioned in my past blog, and enforce my opinion with the evidence that is provided in this second act. Clearly there is a tangled web of lovers which has now developed into unattainable love. The age difference, as well as ordinary mistakes committed previously form the characters has now evolved into a major problem in which true feelings can’t be expressed. Helen is no longer in love with her husband and is forced to devote her time to him because of her commitment in marriage, Sonia is in love with the Dr. which simply refuses to love anyone again and is unaware of the fact that both Sonia and Helen have a remote interest in him, finally Uncle Vanya is interested in Helen which refuses his love, afraid of the consequences that may take part in it. Due to their inability to convey their feeling s and act accordingly to them the characters have placed themselves in this web in which they sacrifice their happiness for others benefits. Is it truly worth hiding ones feelings for the sake of others? Will this unattainable love become attainable for someone?
Throughout the second act I noticed a series of signs which seemed to constantly come up. One of them was the Watchman and his rattle. Scenes were constantly being interrupted by the regular rattle, until the end of the act when Helen asks for his silence. I quickly searched online for its symbolism in Russia and I learned that in the century provincial Russia the night watchman would tap the grounds with his stick to signal that all was well which I consider completely ironic due to the major amount of chaos going on in the house. I also found it interesting that the deceased wife of Serebrakoff was mentioned twice. Does this have a special symbol or was it just part of the play? Could it be a retrospective of the characters being stuck in their pasts? Finally I would lie to emphasis on the drastic end. Both Sonia and Helene have at last gathered up the courage to be sincere with each other and get past their feuds, excitedly they decide to put music on and immediately after the professor deny their permission the curtains close. Is it Chekhov’s demonstration of their unhappiness and lack of hope? Will the play continue in a melodramatic mood?
After analyzing each of the characters desires and reactions I had the chance to question why they reacted in such a manner and why they felt so discontent. I concluded that it was due to their lack of hope. Like most of them portray, their elder age prevented them from being able to do certain things such as falling in love, at least they believed it did. Their pessimistic attitudes towards life and the possibilities it presented stopped them from revealing certain feelings as well as overcoming difficulties they didn’t agree with. I believe, instead of becoming stuck on your past you must act in order to change your future which was a feature most characters lacked. Aside from being inactive towards change they as well focused too much on their past and assumed it was unchangeable. Remarks such as “… I am old, I am tired, I am trivial; my sensibilities are dead. I could never attach myself to anyone again…” display the unhappiness of the characters as well as their effortless attitude to change that. The fact that the doctor was old didn’t mean he was incapable of loving someone, he just didn’t realize he was. Both Helen and Sonia had interest in him and one of them attempted to portray it, sadly the doctor couldn’t realize it.
Another reason for which I believe most characters are unhappy, I mentioned in my past blog, and enforce my opinion with the evidence that is provided in this second act. Clearly there is a tangled web of lovers which has now developed into unattainable love. The age difference, as well as ordinary mistakes committed previously form the characters has now evolved into a major problem in which true feelings can’t be expressed. Helen is no longer in love with her husband and is forced to devote her time to him because of her commitment in marriage, Sonia is in love with the Dr. which simply refuses to love anyone again and is unaware of the fact that both Sonia and Helen have a remote interest in him, finally Uncle Vanya is interested in Helen which refuses his love, afraid of the consequences that may take part in it. Due to their inability to convey their feeling s and act accordingly to them the characters have placed themselves in this web in which they sacrifice their happiness for others benefits. Is it truly worth hiding ones feelings for the sake of others? Will this unattainable love become attainable for someone?
Throughout the second act I noticed a series of signs which seemed to constantly come up. One of them was the Watchman and his rattle. Scenes were constantly being interrupted by the regular rattle, until the end of the act when Helen asks for his silence. I quickly searched online for its symbolism in Russia and I learned that in the century provincial Russia the night watchman would tap the grounds with his stick to signal that all was well which I consider completely ironic due to the major amount of chaos going on in the house. I also found it interesting that the deceased wife of Serebrakoff was mentioned twice. Does this have a special symbol or was it just part of the play? Could it be a retrospective of the characters being stuck in their pasts? Finally I would lie to emphasis on the drastic end. Both Sonia and Helene have at last gathered up the courage to be sincere with each other and get past their feuds, excitedly they decide to put music on and immediately after the professor deny their permission the curtains close. Is it Chekhov’s demonstration of their unhappiness and lack of hope? Will the play continue in a melodramatic mood?
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